Have PCOS and feel like you can never get ahead of your symptoms? Well you, my love, are not broken. It’s actually our healthcare system that is broken and needs a change.

Many doctors diagnose women with a “mild PCOS” label. I mean, that’s like a doctor saying, someone is “ kind of pregnant.” In reality, there’s no such thing as mild PCOS. In my book, you are suffering and need help, or you don’t!

It’s also not unusual for doctors to only throw out statements like: “You might have trouble getting pregnant”, without offering any information about PCOS nor how to tackle your most frustrating symptoms! This leaves many women in the dark as they try to figure out what’s wrong with them.

So today, we will take a look at some important aspects of PCOS like what causes it and what you can DO about it that are often skipped over by doctors.

What Causes PCOS?!

Before we look at the possible treatments for PCOS, let’s understand what causes PCOS in the first place! The available research so far tells us that PCOS is caused by a combination of multiple factors, which can differ from person to person.

Bottom line is that the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, and that genetics might play a key role. Here’s a list of the main factors, which combined can lead to PCOS among women:

1. Genetics

Some experts say genetics play a major role in PCOS development. It is not uncommon to see various cases of PCOS in families, which tend to highlight the role of a strong genetic link.

One study even found that the DENND1A gene is linked with the development of PCOS among women. 

Genetics play a critical role in PCOS but there are other factors that we can actually control that will trigger a positive —or negative— reaction in your body, depending on the actions you take towards tackling your PCOS.

2. Excess Insulin

One major factor contributing to PCOS is excess insulin levels in the body. It all starts with insulin resistance which makes it difficult for cells to absorb glucose.

This confuses the body into thinking that there’s not enough insulin to absorb the glucose normally. As a result of this, the body produces more insulin which leads to a high insulin level in the body. And this high level of insulin causes the ovaries to produce more androgens in the body.

3. High Androgen Levels

The next factor that plays a major role in PCOS syndrome is the high androgen levels aka male sex hormones in the body. Some of the common PCOS symptoms, such as irregular periods —or even amenorrhea—, excess body hair, and acne, are caused by high androgen levels.

According to research, the high androgens levels in the body also eventually find their way into the ovarian follicles, preventing the follicles from maturing/releasing eggs.

4. Incorrect Hormone Signals

Another condition linked to PCOS in some women is incorrect hormone signals sent by the pituitary gland to the ovaries. The pituitary gland is responsible for the regulation of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and several other hormones.

The FSH and the LH are responsible for preparing for the normal process of ovulation. But when the brain sends the incorrect signals, it can cause hormonal imbalance, which leads to irregular periods (one of the major signs of PCOS).

5. Lack of Nutritious Foods & Exercise

Being inactive (lack of exercise) or not consuming nutritious foods, while not direct CAUSES, may lead to the development of insulin resistance, among other potential PCOS factors. As we discussed earlier, high insulin levels or insulin resistance in the body is also a major reason leading to PCOS development among women.

How To Handle Your PCOS

Now that you have a better understanding of what causes PCOS, let’s move on to how it can be treated. Once again, there’s no magic pill that will reverse the effects of PCOS. But, proper lifestyle changes and making healthy dietary changes can help you feel YOU once again!

So let’s look at some steps you can take to beat your PCOS:

1. Dietary Changes

What you eat matters a lot when it comes to treating PCOS. Some of the classic symptoms of PCOS are high insulin levels and diabetes which means you will have to make some major changes to your diet.

High inflammation is very common among women with PCOS. Incorporating in plenty of anti-inflammatory foods like wild salmon, ginger, avocado, berries, olive oil, and turmeric is arguably the best to solve this issue. 

Similarly, opting for non-starchy vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, plenty of protein, & complex carbs also helps in preventing the complications associated with PCOS.

2. Active Lifestyle

While you make dietary changes, opting for a more active lifestyle is also essential. Together, these two (dietary changes & active lifestyle) can help you deal with most of the PCOS symptoms!

Regular exercise can help you burn calories and build muscles, eventually leading to decreased insulin resistance in the body. In addition, exercise is also very beneficial in lowering testosterone and cholesterol levels in the body!

3. Stress

As mentioned earlier, high inflammation is common among women with PCOS. A prolonged period of high inflammation leads to a spike in cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. This hormone is linked with stress, depression, and belly fat.

In addition, high cortisol levels also increase the risk of insulin resistance, which is one of the primary causes of PCOS. So to stop this vicious cycle, it is important to take steps toward lowering the stress in your life.

This can be achieved by meditation, yoga, or even daily exercise, as it is known to produce feel-good hormones in the body, which counters the cortisol! You can also use this Cortisol Calmer which will be extremely beneficial for your PCOS battle.

4. Weight Loss

Do you know that the prevalence of obesity among women with PCOS is as high as 80%? Yes, you heard that right!

So if you are also struggling with PCOS, then working towards weight loss (IF warranted) may help you to reverse many of your PCOS symptoms. Once again, working on weight loss would require you to work on making healthy lifestyle and diet changes along with managing your stress levels!

5. PCOS Thrive Hive Program

All of the steps mentioned above can help you to reverse the PCOS symptoms & to get pregnant again. But it can be hard to figure out a good diet plan or which exercises are best for PCOS!

That’s why I have launched a “PCOS Thrive Hive Program,” which offers instant access to the following:

• Curated Meal Plans
• Supplement Protocols
• Exercise Plans
• Database of PCOS Doctors
• Discounts on lab tests

And much more!

So if you want an all-in-one solution for beating the PCOS, then look nowhere else and join the PCOS Thrive Hive Program today!